Daily Office Readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 119:49-72; Evening, Psalm 49;
Isaiah 49:1-12; Galatians 2:11-21; Mark 6:13-29:
“For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.” (Mark6:20)
The relationship of Herod with John the Baptist was one of fear, respect, mystery and admiration. And yet Herod would allow himself to be persuaded into killing John.
With the possible exception of fear, I have mentors of whom I respect and who are mysterious and have my admiration. They just happen to all be Freemasons or Priests save a few. They are mostly people of integrity who always have some silent quality about them that manifest a contemplative quality. I can’t imagine doing anything that would cause them harm. For that matter, I don’t want to do anything that would harm our relationships. Herod lost a great mentor when he allowed too much to drink take away the bright light in his life.
I believe all of us should have some person or persons in our lives that are those who console us. Elisha had Elijah and Ruth had Naomi. Who do you have? Regular visits to be with such a person makes you a better person too. We all need someone who could advise us, console us, someone we like to listen to. Such a person should be honest and a good listener who wants to console and not control. Your mentor should be someone you like to listen to. And someone with a trait that you want to emulate. I believe that by maintaining this mentor-protégé relationship we grow into being part of that person leading us, and we keep them with us long after they have gone on. Keep the good ones alive forever.
Today we remember LIli’Uokalani of Hawaii, Queen and Hymnographer (November 11, 1917); and Andrei Rublev, Monk and Iconographer, (1430); and their information may be found at: Lili’uokalani of Hawaii and Andrei Rublev, respectively.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
O God, Giver of all good gifts and graces, keep us ever mindful of seeking out good, God-loving people to be our companions on our journey in this life. Help us to see Your goodness in them and to copy their love of You so that we too may grow in love and respect for You, Your Creation and all people, through the love of Christ Jesus, Amen.
onewhoponders 